Compassion is like a sense of caring, of concern for others’ difficulties and pain. Motivated by concern we act in the most skillful way possible even though we are not always right. We learn from our mistakes and fine tune next time. This concern goes out not only to family and friends, but all other people and animals, even enemies. If we think only of ourselves and forget about other people, our minds occupy a very small area and even tiny problems appear very big. When we develop concern for others, our minds automatically widen, our hearts open, and our own problems, even big ones, will become less significant.
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The Buddhist understanding of compassion
The word compassion is often misunderstood. In English it has Christian overtones that include pity, turning the other cheek, and weakness. It is often seen as powerless. But the Buddhist understanding of compassion is much […]
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Forgiveness and gratitude
Our default position whenever possible is forgiveness and gratitude. Forgiveness counters arrogance and ego. This moves us towards insight and wisdom. Gratitude opens our heart to compassion. Wisdom and compassion lead to the two bodies […]
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Offer happiness and peace to all my mother
This awesome text on compassion written nearly 1300 years ago, called ‘8 Verses of Mind Training’ by the humble Samurai Spiritual Warrior Langri Thangpa.’ Verse 7 reads: “In short, may I directly and indirectly Offer […]